Take good care of what you've gotMy father said to meAs he puffed his pipe and baby B.He dandled on his kneeDon't fool with fools who'll turn awayKeep all good companyOo hoo oo hooTake care of those you call your ownAnd keep good company

Soon I grew and happy tooMy very good friends and meWe'd play all day with Sally J.The girl from number fourVery soon I begged her won't youKeep me companyOo hoo oo hooOo hoo oo hooCome marry me for evermore we'llBe good company

Now marriage is an institution sureMy wife and I our needs and nothing moreAll my friends by a yearBy and by disappearedBut we're safe enough behind our door

I flourished in my humble tradeMy reputation grewThe work devoured my waking hoursBut when my time was throughReward of all my efforts my ownLimited company

I hardly noticed Sally as weParted companyAll through the years in the end it appearsThere was never really anyone but me

Now I'm old, I puff my pipeBut no-one's there to seeI ponder on the lesson ofMy life's insanityTake care of those you call your ownAnd keep good company